You may have heard about co-operative (co-op) education programs and are wondering “Is it the right fit for me?”. Maybe you have no idea about co-op programs but are looking for a program to enable yourself to study English longer in Canada. Regardless, this post is perfect for you. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of co-op programs in Canada, and issues you should consider when choosing your program.
What is a CO-OP Program?
With co-op education programs, students can improve their English while gaining valuable work experiences to prepare them for the next stage of their lives. Compared to most study programs (colleges, universities, or ESL schools) where students learn in a classroom setting, co-op programs allow students to learn English while working. So, whether students plan to stay in Canada long-term or return home after several years of amazing work and life experiences, co-op programs are one of the best options available.
Benefits of CO-OP Education
- Gain work experience. Rather than learning about a job through Google or Wikipedia, you can learn while working with smart and talented people. Most importantly, you have the option to work in areas that complement your personal strengths, interests and educational needs.
- Discover new personal strengths and skills. When register for a Co-op program, you are challenging yourself to grow. You may even find personal strengths that you never knew existed. More importantly, you will develop important skills necessary for future career success.
- Specialized co-op training. In a co-op program, your instructors typically have years of work experience (sometimes in your chosen industry). These instructors can provide in-class training and advice to prepare you for formal entry into the workplace.
- Confirm career decisions. Whether you’re studying in a high school, college, university or language program, deciding your future career is always difficult. With a co-op program, you have the opportunity to try working at a company before selecting your career path.
- Build your resume. The job market has become very competitive. Many native English students cannot find a job even after graduating from university. This is because employers now value job experience more than school grades. Therefore, students need to build their career portfolio as soon as possible to support their application for work, college or university.
- Grow your personal network. With a co-op program, you have the opportunity to meet contacts in the workplace and gain references for future employment. As a result of these networking opportunities, you may receive many job offers in the future.
CO-OP Wages and Salaries in Vancouver, Canada
While some student internships and placements are unpaid, most co-op work placements are paid positions. Many schools that offer co-op programs partner with local businesses to ensure students find a work placement and are paid according to the position’s market rate, rather than a minimum wage.
Many students find this to be the most exciting part of co-op programs. They can improve their English, work in an English-speaking environment, grow their network and resume, and get paid while doing all of this!
If you are looking for co-op education, speak to your school advisor to clarify the wage and salary expectations for the co-op program. This will avoid unnecessary confusion in the future.
Apply for a CO-OP Work Permit
The co-op work permit is a separate work permit, unrelated to a typical Canadian study permit that allows you to work part-time. You can only apply for a co-op work permit after receiving a valid study permit. In addition, you must submit a letter of approval from the school where you will complete the co-op program.
Cloud Nine College (CNC) operates a registered co-op program with the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. So registered co-op students at CNC can apply for a co-op study permit on the official government of Canada webpage. Students should expect the co-op work placement to total 50% or less of their study program.
About Cloud Nine College CO-OP Programs
Program Highlights:
- Hands-on, applied learning
- Focus on real-life employability and skills development
- Strong network with local businesses to help co-op students find work placement
- Upon graduation, students will acquire confidence and experience for their next job
- Some placements will help students acquire useful certifications (Serving it Right, Food Safe, CITP, AHLEI, FITT, etc.)
English Requirements:
- IELTS – 5.5 to 6.0
- iBT TOEFL – 70
- Successful completion of applicable CNC English Language Program or Language Testing
Program Start Dates:
- March 2, 2020
- May 18, 2020
- August 3, 2020
- October 19, 2020
- January 4, 2021
1. International Business and Trade Management Co-op Program
Duration: 93 weeks
Potential Careers:
- Purchasing agents and officers
- Customs, shipping and other brokers
- Production logistics coordinators
- Business development officer
- Marketing researcher and consultant
- Sales and marketing manager
- Corporate sales manager
- Sales and account representative
- Other customer and information services
2. Professional Sales Co-op Program
Duration: 51 weeks
Potential Careers:
- Retail sales person
- Sales and account representative
- Customer service representative
- Customer service manager
- Technical sales specialist
- Sales and Marketing manager
- Corporate sales manager
- Other customer and information services
3. Hotel and Restaurant Management Co-op Program
Duration: 51 weeks (Certificate), 93 weeks (Diploma)
Potential Careers:
- Restaurant and food service manager
- Accommodation service manager
- Customer service manager
- Executive housekeeper
- Sales and marketing manager
- Corporate sales manager
- Other customer and information services
- Food and beverage servers
- Hotel front desk clerk
- Hotel hosts and hostesses
- Food counter attendees and kitchen helpers
Register for CO-OP Programs at Cloud Nine College
If you wish to register for any of the above co-op programs at CNC, please contact one of our customer service representatives below.
General: info@cncvan.com
Spanish: made@cncvan.com
Portuguese: caroline@cncvan.com
Korean: minju@cncvan.com
Chinese: jackwu@cncvan.com
